Brutal weather week ends glorious with free outside evening family movie at Park District

[July 23, 2017]   LINCOLN - The week may have begun ugly with heat, humidity, and violent storms, but all of Saturday and Saturday evening was spectacular weather; open skies with dry pleasant temperatures were perfect to share an outdoor movie with family and friends.

The beloved Pixar/Disney film "UP" was shown on an outdoor screen set up near the playground and pavilion on the beautiful grounds of the Lincoln Park District. The free event was co-sponsored by the ALMH Community Health Collaborative.

Beginning at 8 p.m. families began staking out their territory and everyone was packing in close together, it was a throwback days social event reminiscent of summer outdoor movie theater days so popular before air conditioning, where neighbors would see neighbors and socialize.

Adults unfolded chairs as kids flung out blankets, some traditional plaids and others sporting images of a favorite Disney character or super hero.

For some folks the cold drinks and popcorn they brought along came out. Others went to the concessions stand where free "Go" refreshments were provided.

Kids in Logan County schools are encouraged to take care of their health in lessons taught through the Coordinated Approach to Child Health (CATCH) program. In one aspect, students about learn good nutrition using posters that show 'Go' foods, 'Slow' foods, and 'Whoa' foods.

As dusk drew nigh, about 50 more people beyond those in the last crowd photo joined the early comers swelling the event to well-over 100 in attendance.

The weather of the day was great for outside activities, whether adults doing storm clean up or making hay on outdoor chores, or kids having a lot of fun at the pool or playing activities.

Three questions could be raised from comments made by the audience before the movie began:

1) How many eyes would stay open to the end?

2) Did more adults fall asleep or kids?

3) And who fell asleep first?

No matter, the event made a great memory for those who attended.

Thank you to the Lincoln Park District and ALMH for making Lincoln and Logan County a better place for families to live.

[Jan Youngquist]